There are some great parts to this event in Jesus' ministry.

First Jesus is going to Jerusalem for a feast - but where does he purposely go on the way. To Bethesda, a place where "a great number of disabled people used to lie" (NLT) Jesus goes where the needs are. Where the people who are left of society go. Jesus goes where many others would never go. Where is he calling you to go?

The next bit I love is the phrase that he "learned that he had been in this condition for a long time". How curious. Jesus knew it all. The gospels speak of many times that Jesus "knew what they were thinking". However despite his omniscient knowledge he stopped to "learn" about the mans condition. How humble. Jesus knows all about me but still wants to hear about me. Do I stop and "learn about the condition" of those in need around me?

Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” How practical and unreligious. He could have said "get up and leave your mat behind" but he deliberately told him to pick up his mat. It makes you wonder if the religious leaders were nearby and Jesus wanted to show them "my kingdom isn't about rules its about liberty". Does my life speak of rules that bind or a healing that sets people free?

Lastly Jesus purposed to find the man at the temple to see him a second time. i reminder to "stop sinning". A call that says "a touch from me starts a new life". A time to free from the law and free from the bondage of sin. Jesus didn't want his instruction on carrying the mat to be interpretted as a life that ignored God but a life that fully enjoyed God. Does my life show the change of Jesus in me?

John 5:1-15